PASCO, Wash. - Washington is one of 23 states to earn bonus checks for their proactive performance and is the fourth best state in the country when it comes to child care.
The Apple Health for Kids Program will be getting $12 million from the federal government to continue their success in getting children insured.
The program works alongside Medicaid and currently provides health coverage for about two out of every five children in the state.
The impact will be seen locally at places like Grace Clinic and the Tri-Cities Community Health Clinic.
The Chief Financial Officer at the health clinic said out of the 24,000 patients they serve each year, at least 35% of them are un-insured.
"The intent is not to wait until you are sick to go see the doctor, but to stay on top all of the preventative measures, your immunizations, your physicals, your preventative dental care," said Esleen Fultz, CFO at TC Community Health Clinic.
Since 2009, the Apple Health for Kids Program has earned Washington $60 million from the federal government to provide children healthcare accessibility.
It goes hand in hand with the Affordable Health Care Act that requires everyone to have health insurance by 2014.
